A62049:63
Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate…
Men are gods, or, The dignity of magistracy, and the duty of the magistrate as it was presented in a sermon at the assize holden at Hertford for that county on August 2, 1653 / by George Swinnocke ...
London: printed by R.W. for Nevil Simmons, 1660
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
1Now in their dignity Magistrates resemble God in these two or three particulars, and therefore are fitly called Gods.
- 1Dii per analogiam tanquam Deum imitantes. Theodor.
1First in receiving honour from others. Honour accompanieth power as the shadow the body. There is naturally in man an awe and respect towards those that are Magistrates: They are the Fathers of their Country, and their subjects like children owe them both obedience and reverence. Divine worship is to be given only to God in heaven, but civil worship may be given to Gods on earth. David speaketh of himself being a King, His glory is great in thy salvation, Honour, and Majesty hast thou put upon him, Psal. 21.5.
1First in receiving honour from others. Honour accompanyeth power as the shadow the body. There is naturally in man an aw and respect towards those that are Magistrates: They are the Fathers of their Countrey, and their subjects like children owe them both obedience and reverence. Divine worship is to be given only to God in heaven, but civil worship may be given to Gods on earth. David speaketh of himself being a King, His glory is great in thy salvation, Honour, and Majesty hast thou put upon him, Psal. 21.5.
- 1This is a godlike prerogative. God is clothed with Majesty and honour, Psal. 104.1. The blessed and only Potentate, to whom all people must pay this tribute. In this the Gods on earth resemble him.